Bush Administration Shifts Counter-Terrorism Strategy with Emphasis on Diplomacy and Democracy

The Bush administration is adopting a new counter-terrorism strategy that prioritizes diplomacy, democracy, and addressing the "root causes" of terrorism, marking a significant shift from its previous emphasis on military might and traditional allies. This change is driven by the administration's recognition that military force alone cannot win the war against religious extremists and that the US needs to repair its transatlantic relationship with traditional allies, particularly in Europe. The new strategy also reflects the growing skepticism among the American public regarding the war in Iraq, with claims that Iraq is the "central front" in the war on terror being met with increasing doubt.

Key Takeaways:

• The Bush administration's new counter-terrorism strategy focuses on diplomacy, democracy, and addressing the "root causes" of terrorism, rather than solely relying on military might.
• The shift in strategy is driven by the recognition that military force alone cannot defeat religious extremists and that the US needs to repair its relationship with traditional allies in Europe.
• The new strategy includes "moderate Muslim outreach" and a concerted public diplomacy effort to push President George W. Bush's theme of spreading democracy and freedom.
• The administration has quashed suggestions to close the Guantanamo Bay detention centre and held senior figures accountable for abuses there and at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.
• Israel remains a contentious issue, with the administration refusing to fundamentally shift its support for Ariel Sharon, despite efforts to move the peace process forward with the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
• The US will face fierce debate over how to deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Palestine, and the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.
• The 9-11 Commission's recommendation for a comprehensive integrated strategy is being implemented, with Lee Hamilton, vice-chairman of the commission, expressing encouragement at the policy shift.

Statistics:

• 1 year ago, the 9-11 Commission recommended a comprehensive integrated strategy to defeat the terror movement.
• 46% of Americans believe the US is losing the war on terror (according to a recent poll).
• The US has spent over $500 billion on the war in Iraq since its inception.

Sources:

• Financial Times: "Bush administration rhetoric improves, but policy lags behind"
• The Washington Post: "Bush Seeks Shift on Counterterrorism"
• The 9-11 Commission Report
• Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR): "Muslim Outreach: A Welcome Effort, Long Overdue"